(a) Safety. – A safety inspection of a motor vehicle
consists of an inspection of the following equipment to determine if the
vehicle has the equipment required by Part 9 of Article 3 of this Chapter and
if the equipment is in a safe operating condition:

(1) Brakes, as required by G.S. 20‑124.

(2) Lights, as required by G.S. 20‑129 or G.S. 20‑129.1.

(3) Horn, as required by G.S. 20‑125(a).

(4) Steering mechanism, as required by G.S. 20‑123.1.

(5) Windows and windshield wipers, as required by G.S.
20‑127. To determine if a vehicle window meets the window tinting
restrictions, a safety inspection mechanic must first determine, based on use
of an automotive film check card or knowledge of window tinting techniques, if
after‑factory tint has been applied to the window. If after‑factory
tint has been applied, the mechanic must use a light meter approved by the
Commissioner to determine if the window meets the window tinting restrictions.

(6) Directional signals, as required by G.S. 20‑125.1.

(7) Tires, as required by G.S. 20‑122.1.

(8) Mirrors, as required by G.S. 20‑126.

(9) Exhaust system and emissions control devices, as
required by G.S. 20‑128. For a vehicle that is subject to an emissions
inspection in addition to a safety inspection, a visual inspection of the
vehicle's emissions control devices is included in the emissions inspection
rather than the safety inspection.

(b) Emissions Inspection Requirements in Certain
Counties. – An emissions inspection of a motor vehicle in the Counties of
Cabarrus, Durham, Forsyth, Gaston, Guilford, Mecklenburg, Orange, Union, and
Wake consists of a visual inspection of the vehicle's emissions control devices
to determine if the devices are present, are properly connected, and are the
correct type for the vehicle and, if the vehicle is fewer than 25 model years
old and not a 1996 or later model, an analysis of the exhaust emissions of the
vehicle to determine if the exhaust emissions meet the standards for the model
year of the vehicle set by the Environmental Management Commission or, if the
vehicle is a 1996 or later model, an analysis of data provided by the on‑board
diagnostic (OBD) equipment installed by the vehicle manufacturer to identify
any deterioration or malfunction in the operation of the vehicle that would
cause an increase in the emission of pollutants by the vehicle that violates
standards for the model year of the vehicle set by the Environmental Management
Commission. To pass an emissions inspection a vehicle must pass both the visual
inspection and, if the vehicle is fewer than 25 model years old and not a 1996
or later model, the exhaust emissions analysis or, if the vehicle is a 1996 or
later model, the OBD analysis. When an emissions inspection is performed on a
vehicle, a safety inspection must be performed on the vehicle as well.

(b1) Emissions. – An emissions inspection of a motor
vehicle consists of a visual inspection of the vehicle's emissions control
devices to determine if the devices are present, are properly connected, and
are the correct type for the vehicle and an analysis of data provided by the on‑board
diagnostic (OBD) equipment installed by the vehicle manufacturer to identify
any deterioration or malfunction in the operation of the vehicle that violates
standards for the model year of the vehicle set by the Environmental Management
Commission. To pass an emissions inspection a vehicle must pass both the visual
inspection and the OBD analysis. When an emissions inspection is performed on a
vehicle, a safety inspection must be performed on the vehicle as well.

(c) Reinspection After Failure. – The scope of a
reinspection of a vehicle that has been repaired after failing an inspection is
the same as the original inspection unless the vehicle is presented for
reinspection within 30 days of failing the original inspection. If the vehicle
is presented for reinspection within this time limit and the inspection the
vehicle failed was a safety inspection, the reinspection is limited to an inspection
of the equipment that failed the original inspection. If the vehicle is
presented for reinspection within this time limit and the inspection the
vehicle failed was an emissions inspection, the reinspection is limited to the
portion of the inspection the vehicle failed and any other portion of the
inspection that would be affected by repairs made to correct the failure. (1965, c. 734, s. 1; 1969, c. 378, s. 2; 1971, c. 455, s. 2;
c. 478, ss. 1, 2; 1979, 2nd Sess., c. 1180, s. 3; 1981 (Reg. Sess., 1982), c.
1261, s. 1; 1989, c. 391, s. 2; 1991, c. 654, s. 2; 1993 (Reg. Sess., 1994), c.
754, s. 1; 1995, c. 473, s. 2; 2000‑134, ss. 8, 10; 2001‑504, s.
7.)

Disclaimer: These codes may not be the most recent version. North Carolina may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.